The healthcare sector is constantly changing. Technological advancements and world events make it vital to keep updating the field. As a result, nurses are encouraged to track trends every year. Nurse practitioners ranked first in the U.S. News & World Report 2023. Likewise, it came in second on the 100 best jobs list after software developer.
Based on the current healthcare trajectory, we can speculate on future innovations. But bear in mind that emergence depends on a complex interplay of various reasons. They include healthcare, technological, and societal factors. That said, take a look at ten future trends to expect in nursing research.
1. Expanding Distance Education
The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated remote learning adoption across various fields. It offers flexible access and lifelong education and promotes different learning styles. College undergraduates attend classes from anywhere, including lesson simulations and virtual clinical experiences.
Online tools simplify coursework, and a university student with looming deadlines can use them to succeed with their homework, for example, by buying nursing papers for sale from an online essay service.
This way, subject-matter experts write and submit essays on demand when a teacher assigns homework. Most importantly, they help students score perfect marks and make it easy to balance academics and extracurriculars.
2. Remote Nursing and Telehealth
Remote nursing is set to experience a major boom in the coming years. It extends healthcare access to rural or underserved areas. Telehealth manages chronic disease, reduces hospital readmission, and facilitates post-discharge follow-up. It plays a crucial role during emergencies and disasters and encourages interprofessional collaboration.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Automation
AI is already an integral part of healthcare. Hence, we have reasons to believe it intends to continue. Nurses use technology to analyze large datasets, identify patterns, and predict outcomes. Its use cases include remote monitoring, personalized treatment plan creation, and medication management.
Furthermore, natural language processing improves documentation, while robots assist with routine tasks. Other technological extensions include:
- Qualitative research software.
- Biometric measurement tools.
- Data analysis software.
- Electronic health records.
- Simulation and virtual reality.
- Big data and data mining.
4. Nursing Shortage Continuity
The workforce is aging out. According to statistics, nursing will grow by 6% from 2021-2031. It translates to 3 million jobs, whereas a deficit of 6 million nurses. Roughly one-third of the current population will have to retire in the next ten years. The last baby boomers will leave the workforce in 2029, resulting in 73% of Americans over 65. Hence, there is enough reason to expect research into the shortage.
5. Sustainable Health
Sustainable practices focus on providing services while reducing environmental impacts. It teaches responsibility, health equity, patient education, and advocacy. As the global focus on sustainability increases, we expect more analysis in the field.
6. Increased Specialization
There is a growing demand for RNs who specialize in specific medical areas. For example, gerontology, psychiatry, and more. School specialization allows researchers to explore the factors contributing to healthcare. It further leads to career advancement and continued professional development.
7. Nursing Informatics
RN informatics involves integrating data science, technology, and healthcare delivery to advance practices. Professionals interested in technology fit into this area. This explains why certification jumped from 49% to 58% in three years. We expect interest in the field to expand and open opportunities for practitioners.
8. Increased Demand for Bilingual Nurses
People in the United States speak over 350 languages. As a result, hospitals are leveraging bilingual nurses instead of hiring translators. By indication, demand will increase for professionals who speak two languages.
9. More Males in the Workforce
In 2011, 1 in 10 nurses were men. Today, there is an evident increase. Meanwhile, research on the subject continues. Topics around changing gender norms are pushing males to enter the workforce. It addresses staff shortages and improves workplace dynamics.
10. Increased Salary
Nursing is among the most tedious jobs. As a result, there are ongoing discussions and advocacy for salary increases. The strategy solves the shortage issue, prevents workload burnout, and recognizes their values.
Growing the Nursing Profession
The pandemic reminded many people of the role nurses play in daily life. Workers stand all day and attend to people while putting personal interests last. Individuals, from babies to the elderly, depend on nurses. So much so that all countries need to invest in their RNs. Growing the profession ensures a robust healthcare workforce.
The goal is to meet evolving patient needs and improve results. One way to do this is to encourage research to upgrade outcomes. Stakeholders are exploring various trends. From technology adoption to human development, we can expect these improvements to shape the field in the coming years.